Esther Cristina Lauriana Maria Brizuela Bustillo Fetters

Nov 22, 2025 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2025 | 5 comments

Esther Cristina Lauriana Maria Brizuela Bustillo Fetters, 73, of Kansas City, went home to be with the Lord on November 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born July 24, 1952, in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, to Felipe and Zenaida Bustillo, Esther came to the United States as a young girl, carrying with her the warmth, resilience, joy, and spice of her Cuban heritage. She graduated from Saint Teresa’s Academy in 1971 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from William Jewell College in 1977.

On January 3, 1976, she married the love of her life, Michael Fetters. For nearly fifty years they served side by side in ministry, opening their hearts and home to countless individuals, sharing the Gospel with gentleness and joy, and building a legacy of faithful service that touched lives across generations.

Esther was a proud and passionate mother to three children: Lindsay Stewart and her husband Kyle, Christopher Fetters and his wife Lindsay, Whitney Calfy and her husband Jeremy.

One of her greatest earthly joys came from her six beloved grandchildren—Hunter, Alli, Emery, Emerson, Elliana, and Everett—whom she cherished beyond measure.

A woman of deep loyalty and spirited enthusiasm, Esther loved the red and gold of the Kansas City Chiefs and rocked Jayhawk blue for Kansas Jayhawks basketball. Her cheers filled stadiums, living rooms, and hearts alike.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Felipe and Zenaida Bustillo, and her brother Felipe.

Esther is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 50 years, Michael Fetters; her children Lindsay and Kyle Stewart, Christopher and Lindsay Fetters, and Whitney and Jeremy Calfy; her six adored grandchildren; her sisters Zeny, Martha, Lilly, and Jacque; her faithful little companion Lucky, who will miss his favorite lap; and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, friends, and spiritual children who will miss her radiant smile, infectious laughter, and generous heart.

Esther lived a life rooted in love—of family, faith, ministry, and fandom—and she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and celebration that will live on in all who knew her.

Above all, Esther longed for every person she met to know the saving love of Jesus Christ, the same Savior who carried her home. If you do not yet know Him as Lord and Savior, she would joyfully urge you today: open your heart to Jesus, receive His forgiveness, and discover the abundant life and eternal hope found only in Him.

Whenever Allen Fieldhouse erupts in victory, the chant rises, Rock Chalk, Jayhawk. In celebration of Esther’s life, Rock Chalk, Esther—for your victory of faith, love, and life. We look forward to the day we meet again in heaven.

A Celebration of Life for Esther will be held on

Monday, November 24th at 1:30 at Grace Church North Overland Park, 10300 Antioch Rd, Overland Park, KS

In honor of Esther’s lifelong love for ministry, the family invites you to consider supporting a cause dear to her heart: church planting. Esther and Mike devoted their lives to nurturing new congregations, planting two churches and encouraging countless believers along the way. A gift in her memory will help continue that legacy and bless the next generation of church planters.

To give in Esther’s honor, please use the link below.

https://rock.visitgracechurch.com/page/470?GroupId=214234

http://thetablelexington.com/

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Christopher Fetters

10 months ago

Love and miss you momma! Can’t wait to see you again someday! Can only imagine how amazing eternal glory is..!!!!

Martha Grimsley

10 months ago

My best friend growing up .We hung out and had wonderful adventures in high school. We worked together, roomed together our freshman year in college, and graduated from college together.

Lucas Dowell

10 months ago

I grew up around esther and she was always filled with joy and welcomed people into the church, she had something positive and encouraging to say always. It makes me sad I never got to see her again after so many years but I know shes with the lord and shes looking down at us with the same joy and happiness thats she’s always carried with her.

Tim Phelps

10 months ago

Esther was a beautiful soul, a close friend and confidant to our family. She will be greatly missed by those who loved her over her 50 years of ministry. She has impacted thousands of lives, some for a lifetime and others for just a short season. We are especially grateful for the special relationship she shared with Katie, and that our three children had the chance to know her and love her too. She pointed us to Jesus through her honesty, hospitality, joyful faith, and the perfect touch of ornery. We thank God for the privilege of calling her our friend and look forward to the day we are reunited in His presence.

Teresa McKinley

9 days ago

It’s been almost a year that your absence left a void in the hearts of so many. You were my very best friend during our early adolescent and high school days and our continued long distance connection kept us tethered throughout life. You were, in the truest sense of the words, a blessing to those who knew you. Describing you as joyful, enthusiastic, and caring only touch the surface of your gregarious and giving heart. When I think of servant leadership, I think of you. Sometimes it’s the gentle, devoted, and showing by example that light the torch for many. Thinking of your loved ones, and missing our future luncheons.

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Thank you for all your help after Doug's passing. Lara and I felt pretty helpless at that time and you came to our rescue. All my best, Joan

Joan

We deeply appreciate the kindness and support that you've shown us during this difficult time. It will always be remembered by our family.

M. Weber Family

Thank you ladies for making our Father's memorial special. You went above and beyond and helped us feel special during a difficult time.

O'Brien's

You took the worst week of my life and took the best care of our loved one. Thank you for your kind and gentle guidance. May God Bless you in your worthy work.

A. Koch

Thank you both for the patience and understanding on the logistics of BK's funeral arrangements. It was a pleasure to work with you both. My sister, Julie, couldn't have been more pleased. The services you offer are well thought out and executed with compassion.

MHD

Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

Beth W.

You both have exceeded your calling, and I'm so grateful you were there for me.

Marchia

Words will never be enough to properly express our gratitude...Your care for him and your guidance in our hour of need will never be repaid. Thank you, a million times, for you compassion and respectful service.

Nicole

Thank you so much for all of the care and concern you have given our family. We appreciate all of your help in planning the funeral. You did a wonderful job!

The Abram Family

Thank you so much for your compassionate care of our family. You have answered Dad's call to comfort grieving families, and we are so grateful.

Nancy

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Bukeka and Makeda

"You gave us the personal attention that we needed during the process. Thank you for going the extra step for us"

Cynthia

You made the whole experience of losing my Dad so much more bearable thank I could have imagined. Thank you so much for everything.

Paula H.

Thanks for making this an easier experience than I could have imagined.

Bill B.

"Thank you so much for coordinating my mom's funeral. You could not have been more respectful and empathetic"

Amy E.

"A giant THANK YOU for your knowledge, care, concern, suggestions and friendship"

Joyce F.

Thank you again for all of your help, support and encouragement.

Linda S.

I want to thank you and the friend that is making these wonderful white cloths ... whenever I see it it reminds me of a shroud and brings a very pleasant peace.

thank you dear friend

Elaine

I'm Speechless, you are so kind. You made Richard's celebration of Life and awesome experience. Richard and I shared our life together for 45 years and you have put my life in a happier place.
Most Grateful I am, Robert S.

Robert S.

Your service (and that of the other team members at Signature Funerals) was so helpful to my family throughout the aftermath of my dad's death. Thank you again for your sensitive but wide-ranging help and advice. The service and celebration of his life went smoothly and was cathartic to everyone, due in large part to all of you at Signature Funerals.

Katie C.

"I really appreciate the time you spent with me on my unannounced visit regarding funeral arrangements for Marion. You went above and beyond with notes and drafting a letter for me, Bless you"

Jill H.

"We can't begin to thank you for all you did to help us with Mike. Your kindness and thoughtfulness provided peace and comfort for all of us. You have been such a blessing for both my mom and my husband. You are God's grace for us"
With much gratitude and love,

Vicki and family

Cathy Boomer has a very calming influence and sense of peacefulness about her, even in the most emotional situations. She handled all the details of my mother's passing and funeral with professional dignity. She was unobtrusive but in control of all the little details and we, as a family, relied on her with immense satisfaction.

Nancy H.

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Eleanor P.

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Mark R.

"We appreciate all that you did to make my mother's visitation simple and elegant. Your staff helped all of our family feel very comfortable. Your place was perfect for honoring and celebrating my mother's life."

Sue and Bernie

"Thank you so very much for the "In Loving Memory" book. It was truly a lovely meaningful gift for us. And, thank you again for making Michael's final tribute a beautiful lasting memory for us."

Genanne D.

"Just a note to say how pleased I was with your funeral services for Judy. It made the situation much more tolerable."

Ralph F.

I want to thank you, on behalf of my family, and father in particular, beginning with your presence with us the night of mom's passing in her room. You were a calming presence throughout. Your funeral space is lovely and uplifting. It was, indeed, the perfect space for such a somber, but also celebrated gathering. Thank you for your guidance throughout.

Rebecca B.

"Thanks so much for all you did to make our son's service so beautiful so that we could touch the lives of many through him."

Jim and Leslie

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Cherlyn

"At such a difficult time, it was comforting to have your respectful and tender care of my mom and her arrangements. The service was a beautiful end to her journey to Heaven. You truly have a unique gift."

Holly G.

"Thank you so much for your care for me and my family after mom's death. Your love and attention was so helpful and you made it easy for me and my siblings to have fun with each other."

Brian O.

"I want to thank Signature Funerals and yourself for everything you have done during this hard time. You made this nightmare into something for us to be proud of. The kindness and love you showed us from day one was truly amazing. God Bless."

Ned and Kimberly

"Thank you so much. Everything was lovely and we have received so many compliments."

Anne E.

"Just want to thank you for helping to give such a nice memorial service for our loved one. You were wonderful and went beyond anything expected. I appreciate it and I appreciate you and the strength you give me."

Debbie Brown

"Thank you so much for opening your heart up to our family."

Mabel B.

"Words can not express our gratitude for helping us with our loved one's needs and the visitation service. You, especially, made such a tragic and sad time more bearable. Your friendship and professionalism went miles to help my family and myself."

Marta Reber Warren

"I feel so lucky to have been able to know you a little and work with you for the funeral of our mom. You were everywhere and it was a comfort to us to turn her over to you, knowing you would treat her with loving kindness. Thank you so much."

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"As said before, Cathy and Signature Funerals, helped our family create a memory that we will never forget and cherish forever. I would happily recommend Cathy and her team over and over again."

Andre Player | Vice President Anthem Media Group